Columbia - Yale Drive

Dear Kelly

Dear Kelly,
It has been my opinion that because artistic endeavors (such as architecture and color
coordinating) are not based on absolute truths, they are subject to critical review by the masses.
Even in fields which are far less subjective, critical design reviews are a common practice. To
some critics, their opinions may be based on intellectual understanding of the arts. To others,
such as myself it is based on gut feeling. It is not a matter of right or wrong, and we all have the
freedom to express our views. Some people like the filling-station style shed-roof houses mixed
with traditional styles. I don't. To me, it is like hanging a Paul Klee next to a Michelangelo or
decorating a living room with burgundy and flourescent orange. Each has their place; it is the
combination that is unappealing to me. And because there is a difference of opinion, we need this
open forum to have a healthy discussion of our differences. The day we stifle opinion in the arts
is the day the artists becomes isolated from the very audience for which they wish applause.
Critique comes with the territory. I suggest, in this discussion, we keep the personal attack off the
board and, restrict our comments to opinions.

Sincerely X-man

A Good Idea -- Maybe?

Kiki,

This sounds like a good idea but I'm not so sure that it will bring any sense of resolution to the issue. I fear that people (like my wife)may simply vent their frustrations and the whole thing may degenerate into a free-for-all in which many people will leave with hurt feelings. If this happens we may be doing some serious harm to the goal of community-building in Prospect. Moreover, I also fear that this forum will turn into a lecture in which those with a background in architecture will simply attempt to show the rest of us the errors of our ways. Finally, the only way such a forum will be ''useful'' is if the members of the community actually feel that their voices will be heard (and then acted upon). If you have no intention to actually heed the advice of the community then I see no compelling reason to hold such a forum. If you have a vision for Prospect -- and know in your heart that you will not change your mind -- then I believe it would be better to simply leave this debate to take place on the web (amongst those of us who have a strong emotional and intellectual commitment to this issue)and not needlessly inflame the entire community. However, if you are seriously interested in what the community has to say then such a forum may be useful.

Keith Jaggers

Symposium

A symposium sounds like a good idea, maybe. However, I would not like to be a part of any further hostility. I realize the futility of effort, and therefore, take full responsibility for gambling on an investment too early in the game to be considered to be an intelligent, calculated risk.
I appreciate the fact that, according to Wells Fargo Bank, I have earned a substantial increase in home value in one year. Investing in another person's vision is always a gamble. Sometimes it pays off. I hope this will be one of those times.
Less than civil behavior has been displayed by all parties in the last few months. Enough is enough. Kiki and Mark, I believe that the residents of Prospect would appreciate your treating us with the same respect that you expect in return. However, Machiavellian tactics do work. If that's the route you've chosen, the only choices I have as a homeowner are to accept your decisions and stay or sell and relocate to an area that works for me. You're obviously in a stronger position than me in this game which means that fighting you would be a ludicrous decision.
For now, I'm staying because of capital gains restrictions and because this neighborhood is filled with some very nice people.
And, as for X-man, it is very difficult to respect a person who refuses to reveal his or her identity. I personally don't like all of the architectural designs or colors that have been used in Phase II. Nevertheless, they are now a reality. And, more importantly, they are homes filled with nice families who enjoy them. What's done is done. What is planned will not change unless those who are in charge choose to initiate the change.
Please, unless you have the courage to stand up and speak your peace publicly, stop trying to instigate disharmony. All you're doing is rubbing salt in the wounds of people who feel disillusioned and taken for granted. Negativity feeds on negativity amd I would prefer to hear something positive for a change.
Regards,
Charlene

Civility By Weblaw

A note for all involved in faceless (even though we know you) barbs. We do have some rules to follow set up in the terms I agreed to in setting up this site. I pass them on to you all with the understanding that your postings will be deleted if your conversation falls into the below mentioned areas of uncivil communication. As per Neighborhood Link: ''It is a condition of your use of this web site that you do not: --post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, abusive, hateful, offensive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable information of any kind...'' In summary-CAUSE NO HARM! You may be challenging in your disagreements, but let's not be mean. Give it a whirl-'tis the season!

By Robin Matthews